Renowned calligrapher Kanazawa Shōko visited the Nippon.com office in Tokyo in autumn 2016 to write the character 光 (hikari, light).

Kanazawa ShōkoShoka (calligraphy artist), also known professionally as Shōran. Born in Tokyo in 1985. Began studying calligraphy with her mother at age 5 and held her first solo exhibition, “The World of Calligraphy,” in 2005. Has since exhibited her works at such renowned temples throughout Japan as Kenchōji in Kamakura, Kenninji in Kyoto, and Tōdaiji in Nara. Held her first overseas show in 2015 in New York and had solo exhibitions in the Czech cities of Plzeň and Prague later that year. Is the co-author, with her mother, of several books, including Tamashii no sho (Calligraphy of the Soul) and Umi no uta, yama no koe (Songs of the Sea, Voices of the Mountain).

A Life of Prayer: Kanazawa Shōko (Video)Kanazawa Shōko is a woman with Down syndrome. She is also an acclaimed calligraphy artist and held a major solo exhibition at the Ueno Royal Museum from September 23 to 30. Her works have been shown at over 280 locations since her professional debut 12 years ago at age 20, and they have attracted over a million visitors.